Anyone who often travels two-up knows it well: passenger comfort doesn't just depend on the seat and suspension. A-SIDER Passenger Tank Grips, Safety and Comfort on the Motorcycle address a real problem – providing the pillion with a stable, natural, and immediate handhold, especially when braking, on long transfers, and on sections where the bike's attitude changes constantly.
For those riding an adventure, touring, or dual-sport bike loaded for the weekend or a more challenging trip, this type of accessory is not a minor detail. It’s a functional upgrade that improves the passenger's perceived control and reduces that sensation of sliding forward which, after a few hours, becomes tiring for both the pillion and the rider.
Why A-SIDER tank grips make a difference
The logic is simple: instead of relying solely on holding onto the rider or integrated rear grab handles, the passenger can maintain a more central and ergonomic position. This makes a big difference during sharp decelerations, downhill hairpin turns, and in urban traffic, where continuous changes in pace challenge balance and comfort.
A-SIDER tank grips are designed precisely for this scenario. They offer an advanced handhold that helps distribute forces better across the passenger's body. The practical result is a more composed ride. The passenger stiffens less, leans less on the rider, and helps maintain more predictable movements. On tall and heavy bikes, such as many BMW GS, KTM Adventure, or Honda Africa Twin models, this translates into greater peace of mind for both.
Safety and comfort on the motorcycle: where they are truly felt
Talking about safety here doesn't mean promising miracles. A tank grip doesn't replace good posture, a correct setup, or the use of appropriate technical equipment. However, it can significantly improve passenger behavior in the most common situations.
When braking, for example, the advantage is immediate. Having a firm handhold reduces weight transfer onto the rider. On long trips, however, the benefit becomes primarily muscular: arms, shoulders, and lower back tire less because the passenger is not forced to compensate for every change in the bike's motion with continuous tension.
There's also another often underestimated aspect. When the passenger feels more stable, they move better and with less delay relative to the bike. This helps the rider maintain a smoother ride, especially when fully loaded with panniers, a tank bag, or touring luggage. If you're optimizing your bike for real travel, it's also worth reading Touring Motorcycle Equipment for Safe Travel.
When they are truly worthwhile
Not everyone has the same need for a tank grip. For short and occasional rides, some might consider it secondary. But there are cases where its usefulness is evident from the very first kilometers.
The first is medium and long-distance touring. Hours in the saddle, extra load, and varying road surfaces make every support point more important. The second is adventure riding on damaged asphalt or easy dirt roads, where the passenger tends to lose confidence if they don't have a solid and well-positioned handhold. The third concerns those who often carry an inexperienced passenger: in this case, an intuitive grip helps reduce abrupt movements and incorrect instinctive reactions.
If you are setting up your bike for travel, the tank grip should be evaluated along with the rest of the package - protection, load capacity, electronics, and lighting. For a broader overview, Best Adventure Motorcycle Accessories 2026 might also be useful.
What to evaluate before purchase
The key point is compatibility. For a travel-oriented motorcycle, it's not enough for an accessory to be generally good: it must work well with the tank's geometry, the passenger's position, and any other components already installed.
It's advisable to check the available space, the fastening system, and compatibility with a tank bag. This is the real critical point for many adventure and touring motorcyclists. An effective grip should not limit the use of the tank bag or create interference while riding. Similarly, the material and finish matter: a component designed for travel must withstand intensive use, vibrations, weather changes, and repeated mounting without losing solidity.
Ergonomics also deserve attention. A grip that is too high, too far back, or with an uncomfortable section may be less useful than expected. A-SIDER grips make sense precisely when they improve access to the handhold naturally, without forcing the passenger into an unnatural posture.
A-SIDER Passenger Tank Grips for a travel-ready motorcycle
An accessory like this works best when it's part of a coherent preparation. If you are working on comfort, protection, and travel autonomy, every upgrade must have a precise function. There's no need to overload the bike with components. You need to choose those that truly improve the riding experience.
This is why A-SIDER tank grips speak the same language as true motorcycle touring: less stress for the passenger, more control during dynamic phases, and a general feeling of order on board. On a motorcycle designed for long distances, the difference between a useful accessory and a superfluous one is measured after many hours, not in the first five minutes.
If you're reviewing your setup before your next departure, also check for common mistakes in motorcycle preparation. Here you'll find a useful in-depth article: 10 mistakes to avoid when preparing a motorcycle.
When a passenger feels stable, the journey changes pace. And when the pace is right, every kilometer feels lighter.
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